Apparatuses for manipulating power switch of electronic device located in remote position within storage cabinet

ABSTRACT

Power switch manipulation apparatuses that allow users to manipulate power switches of FRUs mounted within storage racks in a manner free of a user having to physically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the power switches. One embodiment of the disclosed manipulation apparatus broadly includes a base member that may be rigidly secured to a portion of the frame of a storage rack (e.g., on a side or vertical member adjacent a rear door or opening of the rack at the same or similar height as at least one of the power switches) along with a tool that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member for manipulating a power switch of a FRU mounted in the rack.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/725,680, entitled “APPARATUSES FOR MANIPULATING POWER SWITCHOF ELECTRONIC DEVICE LOCATED IN REMOTE POSITION WITHIN STORAGE CABINET,”and filed on May 29, 2015, the entirety of which is incorporated hereinby reference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to storage racks or cabinets forstoring electronic device such as computing devices (e.g., servers),power distribution units, and the like and, more particularly, to themanipulation of switches (e.g., power switches, circuit breakerswitches, etc.) of electronic devices mounted within storage racks.

2. Relevant Background

Storage racks for electronic devices are typically standardized framesthat are designed to hold a plurality of electronic devices or fieldreplaceable units (FRUs) such as rack-mounted servers, powerdistribution units (PDUs) or backup devices, and/or the like. Generally,a storage rack includes a number of vertical posts or pillars (e.g., apair of front pillars and a pair of rear pillars) to which horizontalmembers, rail assemblies, paneling and the like can be secured (e.g.,collectively, a “frame”) to define an interior space made up of aplurality of receiving bays for receiving FRUs. Various types and sizesof FRUs may be installed within a rack system and often havestandardized heights as multiples of one rack unit (U). For instance,industry standard rack systems often come in heights of 18U, 22U, 36U,42U, and the like. In high availability environments (e.g.,telecommunications systems), the set of FRUs (e.g., computing devices,related components, and the like) in a frame configuration may beadministered as a single compute system that is functionally consistentwith administration of a single FRU.

Each FRU has a power switch that can be manipulated between or among anumber of positions to power on and power off the FRU as appropriate byoperators and technicians. The power switch is often electricallyinterconnected to a circuit breaker that is configured to automaticallymanipulate (e.g., flip) the power switch into an intermediate positionto interrupt current flow to the FRU upon detection of a faultcondition. For instance, a power switch may be located on a PDU to whichone or more servers are electrically connected and which is configuredto appropriately distribute power to the servers.

SUMMARY

The increased demand for computing resources such as processingcapacity, data storage and the like has led to the increased usage ofthe interior space of storage racks such as by FRUs, cabling, and thelike. Furthermore, as many end users have a fixed or dedicated amount offloor space on which to position storage racks, replacing existingstorage racks with larger storage racks to increase the volume of theinterior space is often not feasible.

One problem accompanying the increased usage of the interior space ofstorage racks by FRUs, cabling, and the like is a decrease in the spacethrough which an operator can extend his or her hand to manipulate powerswitches in the rack (e.g., to flip switches into an on or offposition). For instance, the PDUs to which servers and other computingdevices are electrically connected when mounted in a storage rack areoften located behind the bays of the servers in the rack or in otherwords in the space between the rear pillars and the rear opening or reardoor of the storage rack. To access the power switches on the PDUs (orother switches on the rear portions of the servers/computing devices), auser must insert his or her hand into or through the space between therear pillars and the rear opening to manipulate the power switches.

However, the increased demand for computing resources and correspondingincreased usage of the “real estate” inside of storage racks has led toincreased usage of the space between the rear pillars and the rearopening, the same space through which a user's hand would typically beinserted to manipulate the power switches. In addition to creatingdifficulties in reaching or accessing the power switches, theabove-noted increased real estate usage often makes it difficult for auser to even see the power switches, much less physically reach thepower switches.

In this regard, disclosed herein are various embodiments of a powerswitch manipulation apparatus that allows users to manipulate powerswitches of FRUs mounted within storage racks in a manner free of a userhaving to physically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the powerswitches. One embodiment of the disclosed manipulation apparatus broadlyincludes a base member that may be rigidly secured to a portion of theframe of a storage rack (e.g., on a side or vertical member adjacent arear door or opening of the rack at the same or similar height as atleast one of the power switches) along with a tool that is movablymounted or mountable to the base member for manipulating a power switchof a FRU mounted in the rack. More specifically, the tool has a reducedform factor in one or both of the x-dimension (e.g., horizontaldirection along rear door/opening of rack) and the z-dimension (e.g.,vertical dimension) to allow it to fit through tight spaces between therear of the rear and a particular one of the power switches.Furthermore, the base member includes one or more features that arespecifically configured to guide a manipulation end or portion of thetool (e.g., upon manipulation of a handle or other portion of the toolprotruding out of the rack by a user) to be directly in front of a powerswitch so that the user can use the handle or other portion of the toolto manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or off position) withthe manipulation portion of the handle.

For instance, the base member may include a guide channel having alongitudinal axis about which the tool is configured to rotate inclockwise and counterclockwise directions and along which the tool isconfigured to translate (e.g., slide) in first and second oppositedirections to guide use of the tool for manipulation of a power switch.As another example, the tool and base member may have respectivefeatures that appropriately inhibit translation or rotation of the toolalong or about the longitudinal axis to facilitate positioning of themanipulation portion of the tool in front of the power switch. Forinstance, the tool may include an alignment pin or protrusion that isconfigured to inhibit further translation of the tool within the guidemember along the longitudinal axis after the manipulation portion of thetool has translated to a depth (e.g., in a y-dimension) in the racksubstantially equal to that of a power switch of a particular FRU. Also,the base member may include a stop member that is configured toautomatically inhibit rotation of the tool about the longitudinal axiswhen it has reached a rotational position that is in front of theswitch; thereafter, the tool may be urged along the longitudinal axis tomanipulate the switch.

In one aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of an electronicdevice is disclosed that includes a base member that is non-movablyattachable relative to a power switch of an electronic device and amanipulation member movably mountable to the base member formanipulating the power switch of the electronic device. The manipulationmember includes a first arm receivable in a guide channel of the basemember, where the first arm is slidable within the guide channel along alongitudinal axis of the first arm, and where the first arm is rotatablewithin the guide channel about the longitudinal axis of the first arm.The manipulation member also includes a second arm non-movable relativeto the first arm and configured to contact the power switch, wheresliding of the first arm within the guide channel along the longitudinalaxis with the second arm in a first rotational position induces thesecond arm to contact and manipulate the power switch into a firstposition, where rotation of the first arm within the guide channel aboutthe longitudinal axis of the first arm in one of a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction rotates the second arm into a secondrotational position, and where sliding of the first arm within the guidechannel along the longitudinal axis of the first arm with the second armin the second rotational position induces the second arm to contact andmanipulate the power switch into a second position.

In one arrangement, the first arm may include an alignment mechanism(e.g., a pin or other protrusion that extends from the body of the firstarm) that contacts the base member as the first arm slides in the guidemember along the longitudinal axis of the first arm to inhibit furthersliding of the first arm in the guide member along the longitudinal axisof the first arm absent the first arm being rotated within the guidechannel about the longitudinal axis of the first arm to position thesecond arm in the first rotational position. In another arrangement, thebase member may include a stop member that inhibits further rotation ofthe first and second arms in the one of the clockwise orcounterclockwise direction after the second arm has reached the secondrotational position. For instance, the base member may include first andsecond legs that are non-movably attached to each other, where the guidechannel is non-movably attached to the first leg, and wherein the stopmember is non-movably attached to the second leg.

In another aspect, a storage rack for storing a plurality of electronicdevices is disclosed that includes a frame defining an interior spacefor receiving a plurality of electronic devices and an apparatus securedto the frame for manipulating a power switch of at least one of theplurality of electronic devices. The apparatus includes a base memberrigidly secured to the frame and having a guide channel that extendsalong a longitudinal axis along with a tool receivable in the guidechannel of the base member for rotation about and translation along thelongitudinal axis of the guide channel. Translation of the tool withinthe guide channel along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel witha manipulation portion of the tool in a first rotational positioninduces the manipulation portion to contact and manipulate the powerswitch into a first position, rotation of the tool within the guidechannel about the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in one of aclockwise or counterclockwise direction rotates the manipulation portioninto a second rotational position, and translation of the tool withinthe guide channel along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel withthe manipulation portion in the second rotational position induces themanipulation portion to contact and manipulate the power switch into asecond position.

In a further aspect, a method of manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device mounted in a storage rack includes inserting a toolinto the storage rack, positioning the tool into a guide channel of abase member that is fixed to a vertical member of the storage rack,rotating the tool about a longitudinal axis of the guide channel in oneof a clockwise or counterclockwise direction to rotate a manipulationportion of the tool into a rotational position in front of the powerswitch of the electronic device, and urging the tool along thelongitudinal axis of the guide channel in a first direction with themanipulation portion in the rotational position to contact the powerswitch with the manipulation portion a manipulate the power switch intoone of an on or off position.

Before the rotating, the method may include urging the tool along thelongitudinal axis of the guide channel in the first direction until analignment member of the tool contacts the base member to inhibit furtherurging of the tool along the longitudinal axis in the first directionabsent the rotating. After the pushing, the method may include rotatingthe tool about the longitudinal axis of the guide channel in the one ofa clockwise or counterclockwise direction to rotate the manipulationportion of the tool into another rotational position in front of thepower switch of the electronic device, and urging the tool along thelongitudinal axis of the guide channel in the first direction with themanipulation portion in the other rotational position to contact thepower switch with the manipulation portion a manipulate the power switchinto the other of the on or off position.

In another aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device is disclosed. The system includes a base member thatis non-movably attachable relative to a power switch of an electronicdevice and a mechanical linkage movably mountable to the base member formanipulating the power switch of the electronic device. The mechanicallinkage includes a first mechanical link pivotally attached to the basemember to pivot about a pivot axis and a second mechanical link that isinduced by the first mechanical link upon movement of the firstmechanical link from a first position to a second position to manipulatea power switch (e.g., to turn it on or off) and/or induced by the powerswitch to manipulate the first mechanical link back into the firstposition (e.g., upon tripping of the power switch to provide a visualindication to a user of the tripped condition).

In one arrangement, the second mechanical link may be in the form of arocker assembly that is pivotally attached to the base member to pivotabout a pivot axis that is parallel to and spaced from the pivot axis ofthe first mechanical link. For instance, pivoting of the firstmechanical link from the first to the second position in one ofclockwise or counterclockwise direction induces the rocker arm to pivotin the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to cause afirst rocker leg of the rocker assembly to depress an on button of thepower switch. Thereafter, popping out of the on button upon tripping ofthe power switch presses against the first rocker leg to induce rotationof the rocker leg in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwisedirection and simultaneous rotation of the first mechanical link in theother of the clockwise or counterclockwise direction to move the firstmechanical link into the first position to provide the visual indicationof the tripped position.

In another arrangement, the second mechanical link may be in the form ofa sliding member that is slidably (translatably) attached to the basemember and pivotally attached to the first mechanical link. Forinstance, pivoting of the first mechanical link from the first to thesecond position in one of clockwise or counterclockwise directioninduces the sliding member to slide in a first of first and secondopposite linear directions to depress an on button of the power switch.Thereafter, popping out of the on button upon tripping of the powerswitch presses against the sliding member to induce sliding of thesliding member in the opposite second linear direction to inducerotation of the first mechanical link in the other of the clockwise orcounterclockwise direction to move the first mechanical link into thefirst position to provide the visual indication of the tripped position.

In a further aspect, a system for manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device includes a base member that is non-movably attachablerelative to a power switch of an electronic device, and a manipulationassembly movably mountable to the base member for manipulating the powerswitch of the electronic device. The manipulation assembly includes afirst tool slidably attached to the base member for movement relative tothe base member along a first axis in a first direction towards thepower switch to manipulate the power switch into an on position andalong the first axis in an opposite second direction away from the powerswitch when manipulated by the power switch, and a second tool slidablyattached to the base member for movement relative to the base memberalong a second axis to manipulate the power switch into an off position.

The first tool may be biased with a first biasing force in along thefirst axis in the first direction towards the power switch (e.g., via afirst biasing member interconnected between the first arm and the basemember). For instance, the base member may include a first connectionsurface (e.g., protrusion) that extends along the first axis in thefirst direction, where the first tool includes a connection surface thatextends along the first axis in the second direction, and where thefirst biasing member is connected between the first connection surfaceof the base member and the connection surface of the first tool.

The second tool may also be biased with a second biasing force along thesecond axis in the second direction away from the power switch (e.g.,via a second biasing member interconnected between the second arm andthe base member). For instance, the base member may include a secondconnection surface that extends along the second axis in the seconddirection, where the second tool includes a connection surface thatextends along the second axis in the first direction, and where thesecond biasing member is connected between the second connection surfaceof the base member and the connection surface of the second tool.

In another aspect, a method of manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device mounted in a storage rack includes urging a first toolalong a first axis in a first direction from a first position of thefirst tool into a second position of the first tool to manipulate afirst portion of the power switch into an on position of the powerswitch, where a first end of the first tool is a first distance from avertical reference plane that is perpendicular to the first axis in thefirst position, where the first end of the first tool is a seconddistance from the vertical reference plane in the second position thatis less than the first distance, where a first end of a second tool thatis slidable along a second axis that is parallel to the first axis is afirst distance from the vertical reference plane when the first tool isin the second position, and where the first distance of the first end ofthe second tool is equal to the second distance of the first end of thefirst tool.

In one arrangement, the method may further include receiving, on thefirst tool, a force from the first portion of the power switch thaturges the first tool along the first axis in a second direction that isopposite to the first direction. In another arrangement, the method mayfurther include generating the force upon tripping of the power switch.

In a further aspect, a storage rack includes a frame defining aninterior space for receiving a plurality of computing devices, and asystem secured to the frame for manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device of the storage rack. The system includes a base memberrigidly attached to the frame and being non-movable relative to a powerswitch of an electronic device, a first tool slidably attached to thebase member for movement relative to the base member along a first axisin a first direction towards the power switch to manipulate the powerswitch into an on position and along the first axis in an oppositesecond direction away from the power switch when manipulated by thepower switch, and a second tool slidably attached to the base member formovement relative to the base member along a second axis to manipulatethe power switch into an off position.

Any of the embodiments, arrangements, or the like discussed herein maybe used (either alone or in combination with other embodiments,arrangement, or the like) with any of the disclosed aspects. Merelyintroducing a feature in accordance with commonly accepted antecedentbasis practice does not limit the corresponding feature to the singular.Any failure to use phrases such as “at least one” does not limit thecorresponding feature to the singular. Use of the phrase “at leastgenerally,” “at least partially,” “substantially” or the like inrelation to a particular feature encompasses the correspondingcharacteristic and insubstantial variations thereof. Furthermore, areference of a feature in conjunction with the phrase “in oneembodiment” does not limit the use of the feature to a singleembodiment.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to thedrawings and by study of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial front perspective view of one embodiment of astorage rack for use in storing electronic devices such as FRUs (e.g.,servers, data storage devices, etc.), PDUs, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view of the storage rack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is close-up rear perspective view of the storage rack of FIG. 1illustrating power switches of a PDU being disposed in a side verticalslot of the rack and a base member of a power switch manipulationapparatus being mounted to the rack for use in manipulating the powerswitches (with a rotation stop member of the base member being removedfor clarity).

FIG. 4 is a partial rear perspective view of the storage rack of FIG. 1similar to that of FIG. 2 but with additional componentry being disposedin a space between a rear opening of the rack and rear support pillarsthus limiting physical access to power switches of a PDU of the rack.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 3 but from adifferent angle and including both the base member and a tool of thepower switch manipulation apparatus.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7a is a front view illustrating a process of inserting the toolinto a guide channel of the base member of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7b is a plan view of FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 8a is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 5 illustrating the tool being received in the guide channel of thebase member.

FIG. 8b is a plan view of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9a is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 5 illustrating the tool being received in the guide channel of thebase member and being rotated in one of a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection about a longitudinal axis of the guide channel from theposition shown in FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9b is a plan view of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10 is plan view similar to FIG. 9b but after the tool has beenurged along the longitudinal axis of the guide channel so as to engage apower switch into an on position.

FIG. 11a is a FIG. 9a is a front view of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 5 illustrating the tool being received in the guidechannel of the base member and being further rotated in the one of theclockwise or counterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axis ofthe guide channel from the position shown in FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 11b is a perspective view of the power switch manipulationapparatus with the tool in the position of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 12a is a front isometric view of a holder for a tool, such as thepower switch manipulation apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 12b is a rear isometric view of the holder of FIG. 12 a.

FIG. 13a is a front view of the holder of FIG. 12a with a door of theholding being in a closed position.

FIG. 13b is similar to FIG. 13a but with the door being in a closedposition.

FIG. 14 is a front isometric view of the holder similar to that in FIG.12a but with the tool being loaded in the holder and the door being inthe closed position.

FIG. 15 is a close-up rear perspective view of the storage rack butincluding another embodiment of the power switch manipulation apparatus,where the power switch manipulation apparatus has manipulated the powerswitch into an on position.

FIG. 16a is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 16b is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 15 but after the power switch has been tripped to manipulate thepower switch manipulation apparatus into a different position.

FIG. 16c is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatussimilar to FIG. 16b , but after a user has depressed an actuator of theapparatus to cause the apparatus to manipulate the power switch into anoff or reset position.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the power switchmanipulation apparatus.

FIG. 18a is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 18b is similar to FIG. 18a but with a covering of the apparatusbeing removed for clarity.

FIG. 19a is a front view of the power switch manipulation apparatus ofFIG. 17, but with a tool in a different position.

FIG. 19b is similar to FIG. 19a but with a covering of the apparatusbeing removed for clarity.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a holder for a tool according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a holder for a tool according to anotherembodiment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the power switchmanipulation apparatus.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of thepower switch manipulation apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a front perspective view of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a base member of the power switchmanipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective view of the base member of the powerswitch manipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of a tool of the power switchmanipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of the tool of the power switchmanipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a cover member of the powerswitch manipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of the cover member of the powerswitch manipulation apparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 32a is a schematic illustration of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 23 with first and second tools of the apparatus beingin a first staggered relationship relative to each other and the powerswitch being in an off condition.

FIG. 32b is a schematic illustration of the power switch manipulationapparatus of FIG. 23 with the first and second tools being in an alignedrelationship relative to each other and the power switch being in an oncondition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a power switch manipulationapparatus 200 that allows users to manipulate power switches of FRUsmounted within storage racks in a manner free of a user having tophysically reach into the storage rack to manipulate the power switches.The disclosed power switch manipulation apparatus is useful in crowdedstorage racks where space is at a premium and/or where users mayotherwise have difficulty with physically reaching into the storage rackto flip a power switch of a FRU on or off. One embodiment of thedisclosed manipulation apparatus broadly includes a base member that maybe rigidly secured to a portion of the frame of a storage rack (e.g., ona side or vertical member adjacent a rear door or opening of the rack atthe same or similar height as at least one of the power switches) alongwith a tool that is movably mounted or mountable to the base member formanipulating a power switch of a FRU mounted in the rack. The tool mayhave a reduced form factor in one or both of the x-dimension (e.g.,horizontal direction along rear door/opening of rack) and thez-dimension (e.g., vertical dimension) to allow it to fit through tightspaces between the rear of the rear and a particular one of the powerswitches. Furthermore, the base member includes one or more featuresthat are specifically configured to guide a manipulation end or portionof the tool (e.g., upon manipulation of a handle or other portion of thetool protruding out of the rack by a user) to be directly in front of apower switch so that the user can use the handle or other portion of thetool to manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or off position)with the manipulation portion of the handle.

Before discussing the power switch manipulation apparatus 200 in moredetail, reference will be initially made to the storage rack 100 ofFIGS. 1-2 to provide an example of one representative environment inwhich the manipulation apparatus 200 may be implemented. It is to beunderstood though that the disclosed manipulation apparatus 200 may beimplemented in various other shapes, configurations and sizes of storageracks for electronic devices and/or FRUs, all of which are encompassedherein. Broadly, the storage rack 100 is operable to store one or moreFRUs 108 (e.g., electronic devices such as servers, data storagedevices, media element players, etc.) in one or more respective bays(not labeled) of the storage rack 100, such as in a vertically stackedmanner (as shown), in a horizontally stacked manner, and/or the like.The storage rack 100 may include a pair of front vertical posts orpillars 112 and a pair of rear vertical posts or pillars 116 that extendupward from a floor or other platform (not shown) and that collectivelydefine a frame of the storage rack 100 and form an interior storagespace 103 in which the bays of the storage rack 100 are disposed forreceiving respective FRUs 108. Each of the front and rear verticalpillars 112, 116 may be operable to receive and/or engage with aplurality of rail assemblies 104 that define the bays for structurallysupporting the FRUs 108. Generally, each pair of rail assemblies 104 isconfigured to receive and guide a FRU 108 into the rack such that whenfully loaded, a rear portion of the FRU 108 is adjacent or proximate therear pillars 116 and the front portion of the FRU 108 is adjacent orproximate the front pillars 112.

Although not necessarily labeled, the frame of the storage rack 100 maybe further defined by any appropriate arrangement of horizontal membersinterconnecting the front and/or pillars 112, 116; paneling or wallmembers secured to the front and rear pillars 112, 116, horizontalmembers, etc.; other vertical members; and the like. The storage rack100 may also include a front access opening 120 through which the FRUs108 may be retracted and reinserted, and a rear access opening 124through which necessary connections may be made to the FRUs 108 (e.g.,for coupling the FRUs 108 to external components or to each other,etc.). Access doors (not shown) may be provided over the front and rearaccess openings 120, 124 to limit immediate access to the interior ofthe storage rack 100. Grills or other perforations may be included inany appropriate portion of the storage rack 100 to enhance airflowtherethrough and the various components of the storage rack 100 may beformed of metal, plastic, composites, and/or the like.

In some arrangements, the rear pillars 116 may be set back from the rearaccess opening 124 of the rack 100 such that a space 128 is definedbetween the rear pillars 116 and the rear access opening 124 for thepassage of cabling, the storage of FRUs, etc. (collectively, componentry136). In one arrangement, and while not limiting, the space 128 may beoccupied by componentry 136 of a virtual backplane (e.g., includingblind-mate connectors, power and network cabling, etc.) that isconfigured to incorporate the enhanced availability and serviceabilityof a blade or chassis-based computing system into the storage rack 100.For instance, such componentry may include that discussed in U.S. PatentApp. Pub. No. 2014/0240909 assigned to the Assignee of the presentapplication and the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference as if set forth in full.

However, the increasing usage of the space 128 between the rear pillars116 and the rear access opening 124 of storage racks such as storagerack 100 can limit the ability of users to physically access or even seepower switches within the storage rack 100 that users would otherwisephysically access via the rear access opening 124 (e.g., such as powerswitch 140 of PDU 132). In the absence of componentry being disposed inthe space 128 adjacent a particular power switch 140, a gap 144 existsin the space 128 between the rear pillars 116 and the rear accessopening 124 of the storage rack 100 that provides sufficient room for auser to physically reach into the space 128 and access the power switch140 of the PDU 132 (e.g., or switches on the back of FRUs 108, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 3, the power switches 140 of the PDU 132 may protrudefrom a side surface 148 of the PDU 128 that faces a side surface 164(labeled in FIG. 5) of a vertical support member 152 of the storage rack100 such that the power switches 140 are disposed in a vertical slot 156defined between the side surface 148 and the vertical member 152. Stateddifferently, the power switches 140 may be disposed on or protrude froma surface (e.g., such as side surface 148 of the PDU 132) that issubstantially perpendicular to an inside side surface 160 of the storagerack 100 (e.g., such as a surface of rear pillar 116 that faces FRUs 108loaded in the storage rack 100) and that is offset from the interiorstorage space 103 of the storage rack 100. In this regard, a user wouldreach into or through the space 128 and then approximately 90 degrees tothe left (as shown) or right into the vertical slot 156 to access powerswitches 140.

When the gap 144 has been filled with componentry 136 (e.g., brackets,cabling, etc.), however, the user may be limited or even prevented fromphysically reaching into the space 128 to access the power switches 140.Compare FIGS. 2 and 4, where componentry 136 is represented by a genericbox in FIG. 4. With reference now to FIGS. 2-6, the power switchmanipulation apparatus 200 allows users to manipulate switches withinthe storage rack 100, such as one or more of the power switches 140 ofthe PDU 132, free of having to physically reach into the storage rack100 (e.g., into or through space 128 via rear opening 124) to manipulatethe power switches 140. That is, despite an opening or passageway to apower switch 140 through which a user can reach his or her hand and armnot being available (e.g., due to componentry 136 blocking such anopening or passageway), the manipulation apparatus 200 neverthelessaffords the user the ability to manipulate one or more of the powerswitches 140 and/or other switches in the rack 100.

Broadly, the manipulation apparatus 200 includes a base member 300 thatmay be rigidly or otherwise non-movably secured to a portion of theframe of the storage rack 100 along with a tool 400 (e.g., amanipulation member or assembly) that is movably mounted or mountable tothe base member 300 for manipulating one or more switches of an FRUmounted in the storage rack 100, such as power switches 140 of PDUs 132.As shown, the base member 300 may include a body 304 (e.g., one or morebrackets or the like) that may be rigidly secured to the frame in anyappropriate manner (e.g., via fasteners, welds, etc.). For instance, thebody 304 may include at least a first leg 308 (e.g., a sheet member, abracket, etc.) that may be rigidly secured to the vertical member 152,such as via extending fasteners (not shown) through apertures 312 in thefirst leg 308 and into a front surface 168 of the vertical member 152(e.g., where the front surface 168 generally forms a portion of theinside side surface 160 of the rack 100).

The base member 300 may also include a guiding member 316 (e.g.,bracket, clip, etc.) secured or otherwise formed on the body 304 andthat defines a guiding channel 320 having a longitudinal axis 324 aboutwhich the tool 400 is configured to rotate in clockwise andcounterclockwise directions and along which the tool 400 is configuredto translate (e.g., slide) in first and second opposite directions aswill be discussed in more detail below. In one arrangement, the guidingmember 316 may include first and second spaced members 328, 332 that areinterconnected by a third member 336 and that define the guide channel320 therebetween. For instance, each of the first, second and thirdmembers 328, 332, 336 may be in the form of a sheet member and theguiding member 316 may be secured to the first leg 308 of the body 304by extending fasteners through apertures (not shown) in the third member336 and into corresponding apertures 340 in the first leg 308 so thatthe first and second legs 328, 332 protrude or otherwise extend awayfrom the first leg 308 towards the space 128 in the rack 100.

In one embodiment, a distance between the first and second members 328,332 may be substantially equal to or slightly less than an outerdiameter or outer maximum dimension of a portion of the tool 400 beingreceived in the guide channel 320 so that the guiding member 316 canretain the tool 400 when inserted therein. In another embodiment, thefirst and second legs 328, 332 may slightly taper towards one another ina direction away from the first leg to apply a slight force against thetool 400 when received in the guide channel 320. Various otherarrangements of guiding members 316 that define corresponding guidechannels 320 that allow for rotation and translation of a tool receivedtherein for manipulation of a switch are envisioned and encompassedherein. As an example, FIG. 22 presents another embodiment in which theguiding member 316′ is in the form of a spring-loaded member thatdefines the guide channel 320′ and that is configured to hold the tool400 against the first leg 308 of the body 304 (but still allows forrotation and translation of the tool 400 in the guide channel 320′). Forinstance, the tool 400 may be slid downwardly between the first leg 308and an angled tab 317 of the guiding member 316′ to force the tool 400into the guide channel 320′ against the spring force of the guidingmember 316′. Once the tool 400 has entered the guide channel 320′, theguiding member 316′ may be configured to snap back against the first leg308 to hold the tool 400 thereagainst.

Returning to FIGS. 5-6, the body 304 of the base member 300 may furtherinclude a second leg 344 rigidly (e.g., non-movably) attached or securedto the first leg 308 and configured to be inserted into the verticalslot 156 to facilitate location of the base member 300 adjacent aparticular one of the power switches 140, to facilitate positioning of amanipulation portion of the tool 400 in front of the power switch 140,and/or the like. For instance, the first and second legs 308, 344 may besubstantially perpendicular to each other to allow the first leg 308 tobe mounted to the front surface 168 of the vertical member and have thesecond leg 344 automatically “reach into” the vertical slot 156 tofacilitate positioning of the manipulation portion of the tool 400 infront of the power switch 140. In one arrangement, the second leg 344may be in the form of or include a sheet member that is configured tolay flush or closely flush (e.g., parallel) with the side surface 164 ofthe vertical member 152. For instance, the first and second legs 308,344 may lie in respective planes that are perpendicular to each other.

As shown, the base member 300 may include a location apparatus 348(e.g., one or more brackets, clips, etc.) rigidly (e.g., non-movably)attached or connected to the second leg 344 so as to extend or protrudeinto the vertical slot 156. In one arrangement, the location apparatus348 may include an alignment member or tab 352 that is configured tocontact a portion of a power switch 140 (e.g., a bottom portion of thepower switch 140 as shown in FIG. 5) so as to stop and locate the basemember 300 adjacent the power switch 140 (e.g., at a substantiallysimilar height in the rack as the power switch 140) during installationof the base member 300 (e.g., such as when an installer places the firstand second legs 308, 344 substantially flush against the front and sidesurfaces 168, 164 of the vertical member 152 between adjacent powerswitches 140 and slides the base member 300 upwards until the alignmenttab 352 contacts or otherwise catches on the bottom portion of the powerswitch 140 (e.g., on a bottom portion of a bezel of the power switch 140that surrounds a toggle member 172 of the power switch 140) to preventor inhibit further upward movement of the base member 300). Moreparticularly, the alignment tab 352 locates the base member 300 relativeto the power switch 140 so that the longitudinal axis 324 of the guidechannel 320 is at a height in the storage rack 100 the same or similaras that of the power switch 140 (e.g., such as, as shown in the figures,a height in the storage rack 100 the same or similar as that of a first174 of first and second portions 174, 176 of the toggle member 172 ofthe power switch 140, where manipulation of the first portion 174 is an“on” position of the power switch 140 and manipulation of the secondportion 176 is an “off” position of the power switch 140, or viceversa).

Additionally or alternatively, the location apparatus 348 may include astop member or tab 356 (removed from FIG. 3 for clarity, but see FIGS.5-6) that is configured to inhibit further rotation of the tool 400about the longitudinal axis 324 of the guide channel 320 so as toposition a manipulation portion (e.g., second arm 412 as discussedbelow) of the tool 400 in front of a particular one of the first andsecond portions 174, 176 of the toggle member 172 (e.g. in front of thesecond portion 176 as discussed below). For instance, the stop tab 356may protrude upwardly away from a base (not labeled) of the locationapparatus 348 so as to point in a direction out of the vertical slot 156and provide an angled platform 360 that is configured to receive themanipulation portion of the tool 400 and inhibit further rotation of themanipulation portion of the tool 400 (and thus the tool 400 as a whole)once the manipulation portion has reached a position directly in frontof the second portion 176 of the toggle member 172. The particular anglethat the platform 360 forms relative to a horizontal plane through thelongitudinal axis 324 of the guide channel 320 (so as to stop furtherrotation of the tool 400 when the manipulation portion of the tool hasreached a position in front of the second portion 176 of the togglemember 172) may depend on, for instance, the distance between thecenters of the first and second portions 174, 176 of the toggle member172, the height of the longitudinal axis 324 relative to that of thefirst and/or second portion 174, 176, and/or the like. While thealignment and stop tabs 352, 356 are illustrated as being part of asingle, integral piece that protrudes from the second leg 344, it isalso envisioned that the alignment and stop tabs 352, 356 could beseparate pieces that each respectively extends from the second leg 344or that is otherwise formed on the second leg 344. Furthermore, whileonly a single stop tab 356 is shown, one or more additional stop tabscould be included to inhibit further rotation of the tool in otherrotational positions of the second arm 412.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5-6, the tool 400 is generallyreceivable in the guide channel 316 of the base member 300 for rotationabout and translation along the longitudinal axis 324 of the guidechannel 320 so that the manipulation portion of the tool 400 canappropriately manipulate the power switch 140 (e.g., by contacting andpushing the first or second portions 174, 176 of the toggle member 172as appropriate). Generally, the tool 400 may include a body 404including at least a first arm 408 that is receivable in the guidechannel 320 and rotatable about and translatable along the longitudinalaxis 324 of the guide channel 320. For instance, the first arm 408 maybe in the form an elongated member (e.g., rod, shaft, etc.) having across-sectional shape and size that allows it to rotate about thelongitudinal axis 324 when received in the guide channel 320. The body404 may also include a second arm 412 that is rigidly attached to or atleast non-movable relative to the first arm 408 in a manner so that uponrotation of the first arm 408 about the longitudinal axis 324, thesecond arm 412 is automatically positioned into the vertical slot 156into a rotational position in front of the power switch 140. In thisregard, the first arm 408 may be of a length substantially equal to orgreater than a distance between the rear opening 124 and the verticalslot 156 (e.g., or other location where the switch 140 is located).

In one arrangement, the second arm 412 may be rigidly attached to afirst end of the first arm 408 and non-movably attached thereto at anon-parallel angle so that upon rotation of the first arm 408 about thelongitudinal axis 324 of the guide channel 320, the second arm 412 mayreach into the vertical slot 156 at a position in front of the switch140. For instance, a longitudinal axis 416 of the first arm 408 may besubstantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 420 of the second arm412 so that the second arm 412 may be substantially flush with a frontof the power switch 140 when the second arm 412 reaches into the slot156. In one arrangement, the first and second arms 408, 412 may be asingle piece of material (e.g., bar stock, rod, etc.) that isappropriately bent to form the first and second arms 408, 412. In otherarrangements, the first and second arms 408, 412 may be separate piecesthat are appropriately rigidly attached together. In furtherarrangements, one or more additional arms may rigidly and non-movablyinterconnect the first arm 408 to the second arm 412.

As will be discussed below, a user may grasp and manipulate the firstarm 408 to induce the second arm 412 to manipulate the power switch 140.In one arrangement, the user may grasp a portion of the first arm 408adjacent an opposite end thereof (i.e., an end opposite the end that isattached to the second arm 412). For instance, any appropriate non-slipmember (e.g., rubber, plastic, etc.) may be attached to or otherwiseformed over the opposite end of the first arm 408 to facilitate graspingthereof. As another example, and as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the body 404 ofthe tool 400 may include a third arm 424 rigidly or non-movably attachedto or relative to the opposite end of the first arm 408 and configuredto be grasped by a user to manipulate the tool 400. For instance, thethird arm 424 may extend along a longitudinal axis 428 that isnon-parallel (e.g., perpendicular or the like) to the longitudinal axis416 of the first arm 408 to provide a mechanical advantage that allowsthe user to more easily torque or rotate the first arm 408 about thelongitudinal axis 324 of the guide channel 320. In one arrangement, thelongitudinal axis 428 of the third arm 424 may also be non-parallel(e.g., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis 420 of the second arm412. The third arm 424 may be part of a single piece along with thefirst and second arms 408, 412 that is appropriately bent or otherwisemanipulated to form the first, second and third arms 408, 412, 424 ormay be a separate piece that is appropriately attached to the first arm408.

To facilitate the reader's understanding of the various functionalitiesof the power switch manipulation apparatus 200, one method ofinstallation and use of the apparatus 200 will now be discussed althoughit is to be understood that other methods (including more, fewer, ordifferent steps than those specifically discussed) consistent with theteachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassed in thepresent disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 2-5, a user may initiallyinsert the second leg 344 of the base member 300 into the storage rack100 guide it into the vertical slot 156 between adjacent power switches140 and then press the first leg 308 substantially flush against thefront surface 168 of the vertical member 152. The user may then slidethe base member upwards until the alignment tab 352 catches on a powerswitch 140 at which point the user may rigidly secure the base member300 to the vertical member 152 (e.g., such as by inserting fastenersthrough apertures 312 in the first leg 308 and/or in other manners). Inone arrangement, the alignment tab 352 may be positioned on the secondleg 344 in a manner that allows a user to slide the base member 300downwardly until the alignment tab 352 catches on a top portion of apower switch 140 instead of the bottom portion (e.g., when the alignmenttab 352 extends from a top portion of the second leg 344 instead of abottom portion as shown in the figures). In any case, the user mayrepeat the above process with additional base members 300 for additionalpower switches 140 in the storage rack 100.

The user may also position the tool 400 into the guide channel 320 ofthe base member 300 such as by inserting the first and second arms 408,412 into the space 128 (e.g., such that a plane through the longitudinalaxes 416, 420 of the first and second arms 408, 412 is parallel to thefirst arm 408 of the base member 400 or otherwise vertical) so that thesecond arm 412 at least just passes the guide channel 320 and thenlaterally moving the tool 400 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to afront surface of the first leg 408) to insert the first leg 408 into theguide channel 320 so that the longitudinal axis 416 of the first leg 408coincides with the longitudinal axis 324 of the guide channel 320.Compare FIGS. 7a-7b to FIGS. 8a-8b . Inserting the tool 400 into thespace 128 such that a plane through the longitudinal axes 416, 420 ofthe first and second arms 408, 412 is parallel to the first arm 408 ofthe base member 400 or otherwise vertical advantageously reduces theform factor of the tool 400 in the x-dimension (e.g., across the rearopening 124) to limit contact between the tool 400 and any componentry136 disposed in the space 128.

Once the first leg 408 is received in the guide channel 320, the usermay appropriately slide (e.g., urge, push) the first leg 408 along thelongitudinal axes 324, 416 in first and/or second opposite directions432, 436 so that the second arm 412 has generally aligned with thevertical slot 156. See FIGS. 5 and 8. Stated differently, the first leg408 may be slid so that the second leg 412 has passed the second arm 344of the base member 300 but has not passed the power switch 140. In onearrangement, the tool 400 may include an alignment feature thatfacilities the above positioning of the second arm 412. For instance,the first arm 408 may include an alignment protrusion 440 (e.g., pin,tab, etc.) thereon or extending therefrom that is configured to contacta portion of the base member 300 (e.g., an edge of the first leg 308) asthe user is sliding the first arm 408 along the longitudinal axes 324,416 in the first direction 432 to inhibit further sliding movement ofthe first arm 408 in the first direction right as the second arm 412 hasbeen positioned as above (e.g., absent rotation of the first arm 408about the longitudinal axes 324, 416). With reference to FIG. 8b , forinstance, a user may initially position the first leg 408 in the guidechannel 320 of the base member 300 so that a gap exists between thealignment protrusion 440 and the edge of the first leg 308. Thereafter,pushing of the first leg 408 (e.g., first grasping and urging of thethird leg 424) in the first direction 432 will be inhibited when thealignment protrusion 440 contacts the edge of the first leg 308 as shownin FIG. 8 a.

The first arm 408 may now be rotated in one of a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction about the longitudinal axes 324, 416 toposition the second arm 412 in front of the power switch 140 so that thepower switch 140 can be manipulated. For instance, a user may grasp thethird arm 424 of the tool 400 and rotate the tool 400 in acounterclockwise direction by 90° to rotate the second arm 412 from afirst rotational position as shown in FIGS. 5, 8 a, and 8 b to a secondrotational position whereby it reaches into the vertical slot 156 and ispositioned in front of the first portion 174 of the toggle member 172 ofthe power switch 140 (e.g., in the case where the longitudinal axes 324,416 are positioned at the same height in the rack 100 as is the firstportion 174 of the toggle member 172). Compare FIGS. 8a-8b and FIGS.9a-9b . That is, rotation of the first arm 408 about the longitudinalaxes 324, 416 induces rotation of the longitudinal axis 416 of thesecond arm 412 about the longitudinal axis 412 of the firm 408. In theevent the longitudinal axes 324, 416 were positioned at a heightdifferent than that of the first portion 174, the tool 400 may berotated by other amounts to position the second leg 412 in front of thefirst portion 174.

With the second arm 412 in the second rotational position shown in FIGS.9a, 9b and 10, the user may urge the first arm 408 in the firstdirection 432 along the longitudinal axes 324, 416 (e.g. via pushing thethird arm 424) to cause the second arm 412 to contact and manipulate(e.g., depress) the first portion 174 of the toggle member 172 so as toposition the power switch 140 in one of an on or off position (e.g., asshown, into an on position). With reference to FIGS. 9b and 10, it canbe seen how rotating the second arm 412 into the second rotationalposition clears the protrusion member 440 from the first leg 308 of thebase member so that the first arm 408 can be pushed along thelongitudinal axes 324, 416 in the first direction 432.

To manipulate the second portion 176 of the toggle member 172 (e.g., toturn the power switch off), the user may continue rotating the first arm408 in the one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions (e.g., asshown, in the counterclockwise direction) to position the second arm 412in a third rotational position that is in front of the second portion176. The particular amount of rotation may depend on the dimensions ofthe toggle member 172 (e.g., height and width of first and secondportions 174, 176). For instance, the user may rotate the tool 400 by anadditional approximate 30° (or a total of about 120° from the startingposition shown in FIG. 8a ) to position the second arm 412 in front ofthe second portion 176. As discussed previously, the platform 360 of thestop member 356 may advantageously inhibit further rotation of the tool400 about the longitudinal axes 324, 416 just as the second arm 412 hasreached its position in front of the second portion 176. See FIGS.11a-11b (power switch 140 not shown for clarity, but also see FIG. 5).Once in the third rotational position, the user may slide the tool alongthe longitudinal axes 324, 416 to manipulate the second portion 176 ofthe toggle member 172. In some arrangements, the user may have toslightly adjust the longitudinal position of the first arm 408 along thelongitudinal axis 324, 416 (e.g., in the first and/or second directions432, 436) between the second and third rotational positions of thesecond arm 412.

A user may utilize the same tool 400 to manipulate a plurality of powerswitches 140 in the storage rack 100. For instance, a user maysequentially insert the tool 400 into guide channels 324 of a pluralityof base member 300 and rotate and push the tool 400 in each guidechannel 324 to turn on or turn off each of the power switches asappropriate. In some arrangements, the user may turn the tool 400directly into the third rotational position of the second arm 412 infront of the second portion 176 (e.g., to position the power switch 140into an off position). In other arrangements, the user may turn the tooldirectly into the second rotational position of the second arm 412 infront of the first portion 174 (e.g., to position the power switch 140into an on position).

While shown as being mounted on one side of the rack 100, it is also tobe understood that the manipulation apparatus 200 could also be mountedon the other side of the rack 100 when the power switches 140 aredisposed on the other side of the rack. When doing so, for instance, thebase member 300 may be mounted in an upside down manner (flipped by180°) and the tool 400 may start from a position that is 180° from thestarting position shown in FIG. 8a . The tool 400 may however be rotatedin the same one of the clockwise or counterclockwise directions as whenthe base member 300 is mounted as shown in the figures. Also, in theevent the power switches 140 were located on an opposite wall, such asthe side wall 164 of the vertical member 152, the user may urge (e.g.,pull) the tool 400 in the second direction 436 along the longitudinalaxes 324, 416 to manipulate the power switches 140.

FIGS. 12a-12b illustrate one embodiment of a holder 500 (e.g., storagemechanism) for a tool such as the tool 400 of the manipulation apparatus200 that may be secured in any convenient location (e.g., such as on anupper portion of the rack 100 or the like) to limit loss of the tool andfacilitate location of the tool when needed. Broadly, the holder 500 mayinclude a body 504 (e.g., one or more brackets or the like) including atleast a first leg 508 (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) that isconfigured to be attached to any appropriate portion of the rack 100(e.g., such as extending fasteners through apertures 510 in the firstleg 508 and into corresponding apertures in a top portion of thevertical member 152 or in another member of the frame of the storagerack 100). The holder 500 may also include a securement member 516defining a channel 518 attached to or formed by the first leg 508 withinwhich a portion of the tool 400 (e.g., third arm 424) may be selectivelyfixably received. In one arrangement, the securement member 516 may bein the form of a clip that is configured to clamp around the portion ofthe tool 400 when the tool 400 is forced into the channel 518. Inanother arrangement, the securement member 516 may be similar in shapeto the guide member 320 of the base member 300.

In one variation, the holder 500 may include a pivotal door 524 that isconfigured to selectively cover the opening to the channel 518 after theportion of the tool 400 has been received therein. As just one example,a user may loosen a threaded fastener 528 (e.g., thumb screw) aboutwhich the door 524 is configured to pivot or rotate and then pivot thedoor 524 away from the channel 518 to allow access to the channel 518.Compare FIGS. 13a-13b . The user may then insert the third leg 424 intothe channel 518 and pivot the door 524 back over the channel 518 andtighten down the threaded fastener 528 to secure the third leg 424 inthe channel 518. See FIG. 14.

In one arrangement, the body 504 may additionally include a second leg512 (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.) rigidly attached to the firstleg 508 and that is configure to constrain or secure another portion ofthe tool 400. For instance, the holder 500 may include anothersecurement member defining a channel 520 attached to or formed by thesecond leg 512 within which another portion of the tool 400 (e.g.,second arm 412) may be selectively fixably received. In one arrangement,the securement member may be in the form of a clip that is configured toclamp around the other portion of the tool 400 when the tool 400 isforced into the channel 520. In another arrangement, an end of thesecond arm 412 of the tool 400 may be inserted into a side of thechannel 520 (e.g. in a direction into the page in FIG. 13b ). Respectivelongitudinal axes (not labeled) of the channels 518, 520 of thesecurement members may be oriented relative to each other in a mannersimilar to how the longitudinal axes 428, 416 of the third and secondarms 424, 412 are oriented relative to each other.

In one arrangement, and as shown in FIGS. 12a -14, the first and secondlegs 508, 512 may be perpendicularly positioned relative to each otherto allow the first and second legs 508, 512 to respectively lie flushagainst first and second perpendicular surfaces of a portion of theframe of the storage rack 100 (e.g., such as front and side surfaces168, 164 of vertical member 152). While discussed in the context ofholding tool 400, it is to be understood that the holder 500 may be usedto hold, secure and store other tools used in other contexts. In thisregard, FIGS. 20-21 present isometric views of other embodiments of theholder 500′, 500″ that may be appropriately attached to a surface (e.g.,storage rack, other surfaces, etc.) for holding and storing varioustypes of tools. In FIG. 20, for instance, the securement channel 520′ isoriented perpendicular to the securement channel 520 of FIG. 12a but isstill perpendicular to the securement channel 518. In FIG. 21, theholder 500″ is devoid of a securement channel on the second leg.

FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus200′ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches within thestorage rack 100, such as one or more of the power switches 140 of thePDU 132, free of having to physically reach into the storage rack 100(e.g., into or through space 128 via rear opening 124) to manipulate thepower switches 140. Broadly, the manipulation apparatus 200′ includes abase member 300′ and a tool 400′ that is movably mounted to the basemember 300′ in a manner that allows a user manipulate one of the powerswitches 140. In one arrangement, the base member 300′ may include abody 304′ having at least a first leg 308′ (e.g., bracket, sheet member,etc.) that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to thevertical member 152 similar to how the first leg 308 of the manipulationapparatus 200 may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via insertingfasteners through apertures in the first leg 308′, not shown, and/or inother manners). For instance, the first leg 308′ may be secured atheight substantially the same as a height of a particular one of thepower switches 140 in the storage rack 100. While not shown, the body304′ may in one embodiment include a second leg with an alignment member(e.g., alignment member 352 of FIGS. 3 and 5) configured to catch on aportion of a power switch 140 to facilitate location of the base member300′ adjacent the same.

The tool 400′ may be in the form of a mechanical linkage pivotallyattached to the body 304′ of the base member 300′ that is configured tomanipulate the power switch 140 upon manipulation of the tool 400′ by auser and that is configured to be manipulated by the power switch 140upon tripping of the power switch 140 to provide a visual indication toa user of a tripped condition. Broadly, the tool 400′ may include arocker assembly 600 pivotally attached to the body 304′ at pivot point604 (e.g., via a rivet or the like so as to pivot about a pivot axisthat is perpendicular to the body 304′) and configured to manipulate orbe manipulated by the power switch 140. The tool 400′ also includes anactuation arm 700 pivotally attached to the body 304′ at pivot point 704(e.g., via a rivet or the like so as to pivot about a pivot axis that isperpendicular to the body 304′ and parallel to the pivot axis of therocker assembly 600) that is configured to manipulate the rockerassembly 600 (e.g., upon application of a force by a user) or bemanipulated by the rocker assembly 600 (e.g. upon application of a forceby the power switch 140, such as by first portion 174 of the triggerassembly 172 popping out in a direction towards the rocker assembly600).

The rocker assembly 600 may include a rocker arm 608 (e.g., bracket)including first and second portions 612, 616 that are rigidly attachedto each other at any appropriate angle (e.g. such as an obtuse angle asshown), where the concave portion of the rocker arm 608 faces away fromthe power switch 140, and where the pivot point 604 is disposed betweenthe first and second portions 612, 616 so that the first and secondportions 612, 616 can pivot or rock about the pivot axis through thepivot point 604. The rocker assembly 600 also includes first and secondrocker legs 620, 624 respectively attached to the first and secondportions 612, 616 of the rocker arm 608 in any appropriate manner andconfigured to reach away from the first and second portions 612, 616 andinto the vertical slot 156 in front of the first and second portions174, 176 of the toggle member 172.

For instance, the first and second rocker legs 620, 624 may be in theform of rigid bands, rods, or the like that have a first portion (notlabeled) attached to the first and second portions 612, 616 and a secondportion (not labeled) angled relative to the first portion (e.g., at aperpendicular angle as shown) to allow the first and second legs 620,624 to reach into the vertical slot 156 in front of the first and secondportions 174, 176 of the toggle member 172. In one arrangement, thefirst and second rocker legs 620, 624 may be rigidly or non-movablyattached to the first and second portions 612, 616 (e.g., such as bywelding, or in the case of a one piece member). In another arrangement,the first and second rocker legs 620, 624 may be connected to the firstand second portions 612, 616 via any appropriate flexible or movablejoint or connection to maintain the first and second rocker legs 620,624 in a horizontal position when the rocker arm 608 is forced to pivotabout its pivot axis at the pivot point 604.

The actuation arm 700 may include first and second portions 708, 712that are rigidly attached to each other at any appropriate angle (e.g.,an obtuse angle as shown in FIG. 15). The first portion 708 isconfigured to be manipulated by a user and provide a visual indicationto a user of a tripped condition of the power switch 140 and the secondportion 712 is configured to manipulate the first and second portions612, 616 of the rocker arm 608 to induce contact between the first andsecond rocker legs 620, 624 and the first and second portions 174, 176of the toggle assembly 172 of the power switch 140.

FIGS. 15 and 16 a illustrate a first position of the tool 400′ in whichthe tool 400′ has been manipulated by a user to depress or otherwisemanipulate the first portion 174 of the toggle assembly 172 so as toposition the power switch 140 in an on position. To reach the positionshown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a, a user may depress the first portion 708 ofthe actuation arm 700 (e.g., push in a downward direction) to inducerotation of the actuation arm 700 about its pivot axis through pivotpoint 704 in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (e.g., asshown, in a counterclockwise direction). Upon depression of the firstportion 708, the second portion 712 also rotates in the samecounterclockwise direction and forcibly slides along the first portion612 of the rocker arm 608 to induce clockwise rotation of the rocker arm608 about its pivot axis through pivot point 604 and simultaneousmovement of the first rocker leg 620 against first portion 174 of thetoggle assembly 172 to depress the first portion 174. Stated otherwise,the tool 400′ essentially forms a cam that translates the rotation ofthe actuation arm 700 into at least somewhat linear movement of thefirst and second rocker legs 620, 624. In one arrangement, anyappropriate stop or limiting member may be attached to the base member300′ or the like to inhibit further rotation of the actuation arm 700 inthe counterclockwise direction (and thus further rotation of the rockerarm 600 in the clockwise direction) past that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16a.

In one embodiment, the actuation arm 700 or rocker assembly 600 may beconfigured to trigger any appropriate visual indication apparatus uponreaching the position shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a to provide a visualindication to a user that the first portion 174 of the power switch 140has been depressed (e.g., that the power switch 140 is in an onposition). For instance, respective push buttons (not shown) may beappropriately placed near two end positions of the actuation arm 700,such as that shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a and that shown in FIG. 16b(discussed below). The push buttons may then be appropriately wired to adifferent colored indicators (e.g., green and red LEDs) via resistors,where a battery or other alternative power source may be connected tothe system to light up a respective LED when its corresponding button isdepressed or triggered by the actuation arm 700.

In any case, FIG. 16b illustrates another position of the tool 400′after the power switch 140 has tripped (e.g., so that the first portion174 of the toggle assembly 172 has popped outwardly in a directiontowards the manipulation apparatus 200′). As shown, the first portion174 of the toggle assembly 172 has applied a force against the firstrocker arm 620 that pushes the first portion 612 of the rocker arm 608in a counterclockwise direction from its position shown in FIG. 16a andwhich simultaneously forces the actuation arm 700 to rotate in aclockwise direction from its position shown in FIG. 16a . Moreparticularly, the counterclockwise movement of the rocker arm 608 fromits position shown in FIG. 16a induces the end of the second portion 712of the actuation arm 700 to slide downwardly along the rocker arm 608from the first portion 612 onto the second portion 616, such as towardsan end of the second portion 616 near or past where the second portion616 attaches to second rocker arm 624. As shown, the first portion 708of the actuation arm 700 has moved clockwise into a different positionthan that shown in FIG. 16a (e.g., such as a position where it issticking straight out from the base member 300′ as shown in FIG. 16b ).This position of the first portion 708 may visually represent to a userthat the power switch 140 has been tripped and may be the other endposition of the actuation arm 700. As mentioned above, movement of theactuation arm 700 into the position shown in FIG. 16b may triggeranother LED to light up to provide another visual indication that thepower switch 140 has been tripped. It is also seen how the end of thesecond rocker arm 624 has moved closer to the second portion 176 of thetoggle assembly 172 in the position of the tool 400′ shown in FIG. 16 b.

To sequentially turn off and then turn on the power switch 140 (i.e., toreset the power switch 140), a user may again depress the first portion708 back into the position shown in FIG. 16a . As shown in FIG. 16c ,the end of the second portion 712 of the actuation arm 700 may initiallyride up the second portion 616 of the rocker arm to initially pivot therocker arm 608 in a counterclockwise direction and force the end of thesecond rocker leg 624 against the second portion 176 of the triggerassembly 172 and position the power switch 140 into an off position. Asthe user continues depressing the first portion 708 all the way into theposition shown in FIG. 16a , the end of the second portion 712eventually passes the pivot point 604 and rides onto the first portion612 of the rocker arm 608 causing the rocker arm 608 to now pivot in anopposite clockwise direction which pushes the first rocker arm 620against the first portion 174 of the toggle assembly 172 and pulls thesecond rocker arm 624 away from the second portion 176 of the toggleassembly 172. Again, the first LED may light up to indicate to a userthat the power switch 140 is now in its on position.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus200″ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches within thestorage rack 100 free of having to physically reach into the storagerack 100 (e.g., into or through space 128 via rear opening 124) tomanipulate the switches. Broadly, the manipulation apparatus 200″includes a base member 300″ and a tool 400″ that is movably mounted tothe base member 300′ in a manner that allows a user manipulate one ofthe switches. In one arrangement, the base member 300″ may include abody 304″ having at least a first leg 308″ (e.g., bracket, sheet member,etc.) that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to thevertical member 152 similar to how the first leg 308 of the manipulationapparatus 200 may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via insertingfasteners through apertures in the first leg 308″, not labeled, and/orin other manners). As an example, the first leg 308″ may be secured atheight substantially the same as a height of a particular one of thepower switches 140 in the storage rack 100. For instance, the body 304″may in one embodiment include a second leg 344″ with an alignment member352″ (e.g., alignment member 352 of FIGS. 3 and 5) configured to catchon a portion of a power switch to facilitate location of the base member300″ adjacent the same

The tool 400″ may be in the form of a mechanical linkage movablyattached to the body 304″ of the base member 300″ that is configured tomanipulate the power switch 140 upon manipulation of the tool 400″ by auser and that is configured to be manipulated by the power switch 140upon tripping of the switch to provide a visual indication to a user ofa tripped condition. Broadly, the tool 400″ may include an assembly 900including first and second arms 904, 908 that are pivotally attached toeach other at a pivot point 912 (e.g., for pivotal movement of the firstarm 904 relative to the second arm 908 about a pivot axis extendingthrough the pivot about and into the page in FIGS. 18b and 19b ).Pivotal movement of the first arm 904 is constrained in any appropriatemanner, such as through a pin 916 of the first arm 904 being receivedfor sliding movement within a slot 920 in the base member 300″, or viceversa. Furthermore, the second arm 908 (e.g., a sliding member) isconstrained to translation or sliding movement in a first directiontowards a power switch and an opposite second direction away from thepower switch such as through pins 924 of the base member 300″ beingreceived in slots 928 of the second arm 908, or vice versa.

The second arm 908 is configured to reach away from the pivot point 912and the first arm 904 and into the vertical slot 156 in front of a powerswitch (e.g., not shown in FIGS. 17-19 b, such as one of power switches140 or a different type of power switch including a single button thatmay be depressed to turn the power switch on an that pops out when theswitch has tripped). For instance, the second arm 908 may be in the formof one or more rigid bands, rods, brackets or the like having a firstportion (not labeled) attached to the first arm 904 at the pivot point912 and a second portion (not labeled) angled relative to the firstportion (e.g., at a perpendicular angle as shown) to allow the first andsecond legs 620, 624 to reach into the vertical slot 156 in front of apower switch. In operation, a user may lift up on the first arm 904 toinduce the second arm 908 to move in the first linear direction intocontact with the power switch so as to depress a button or toggle memberof the power switch into an on position. See FIGS. 19a-19b (where FIG.19b has a cover member 800 removed for clarity). As can be seen, thetool 400″ functions as a cam by converting pivotal movement of the firstarm 904 about the pivot point 912 (as constrained via sliding of pin 916in slot 920) in a first rotational direction (e.g., in a clockwisedirection) into sliding movement of the second arm 908 (as constrainedvia sliding of pins 924 in slots 928) in a direction towards a powerswitch.

Upon the power switch tripping whereby the power switch pops out, thepower switch pushes against the end of the second arm 908 to inducesliding of the second arm 908 in an opposite second direction. As thesecond arm 908 slides in the opposite direction, the second arm 908induces the pin 920 to ride down the slot 916 to induce correspondingpivoting the first arm 904 in a second rotational direction (e.g., in acounterclockwise direction) into the depressed position shown in FIGS.17 and 18 a-18 b. The depressed position of the first arm 904 of FIGS.18a-18b provides a vision indication to a user that the power switch hastripped. To reset the power switch, the user may lift up on the firstarm 904 into the position shown in FIGS. 19a-19b to cause the second arm908 to again depress the power switch. While lifting of the first arm904 has been discussed as causing the second arm 908 to depress thepower switch into an on position and tripping of the power switch hasbeen discussed as causing the second arm 908 to depress the first arm904, the tool 400″ could be appropriately arranged vice versa whereby auser depresses the first arm 904 to turn the power switch on and thefirst arm 904 lifts up in a tripped state of the power switch.

FIGS. 23-32 illustrate another embodiment of the manipulation apparatus200′″ that is configured to allow users to manipulate switches withinthe storage rack 100, such as one or more of the power switches 140 ofthe PDU 132, free of having to physically reach into the storage rack100 (e.g., into or through space 128 via rear opening 124) to manipulatethe power switches 140. Broadly, the manipulation apparatus 200′″includes a base member 300′″ and a tool assembly 400′″ (e.g.manipulation assembly) that is movably mounted to the base member 300′″in a manner that allows a user manipulate one of the power switches 140.In one arrangement, the base member 300′″ may include a body 304′″having at least a first leg 308′″ (e.g., bracket, sheet member, etc.)that may be appropriately rigidly or non-movably secured to the verticalmember 152 similar to how the first leg 308 of the manipulationapparatus 200 may be secured to the vertical member (e.g., via insertingfasteners through apertures in the first leg 308′″, not labeled, and/orin other manners). For instance, the first leg 308′″ may be secured at aheight substantially the same as that of a particular one of the powerswitches 140 in the storage rack 100. In one embodiment, the body 304′″may include a second leg 344″ with an alignment member 352′″ (e.g.,alignment member 352 of FIGS. 3 and 5) configured to catch on a portionof a power switch (e.g. lower edge of power switch) to facilitatelocation of the base member 300′″ adjacent the same

The tool assembly 400′″ may broadly be in the form of at least first andsecond independently manipulatable tools 1004, 1008 that are eachconstrained to a single degree of motion relative to the base member300′″ (e.g., each being constructed to movement within or parallel to asingle plane) for purposes of manipulating and/or being manipulated by apower switch 140. In one arrangement, the first tool 1004 may be in theform of a bracket that is slidably attached to the body 304′″ of thebase member 300′″, such that urging (e.g., pushing by an operator) ofthe first tool 1004 in a first direction towards the power switch 140(e.g., in the y or front/back dimension) is configured to manipulate thefirst portion 174 of the power switch 140 into an on position of thepower switch 140 while urging of the first tool 1004 (e.g., by the firstportion 174 of the power switch 140) in an opposite second directionaway from the power switch (e.g., upon tripping of the first portion 174or upon manipulation of the second portion 176 by the second tool 1008,discussed below) is configured to indicate to an operator that the powerswitch has tripped or has been manipulated into an off position (e.g.,by virtue of the position of the first tool 1004 relative to that of thesecond tool 1008).

For instance, the first tool 1004 may include a body 1012 including atleast a first arm 1016 that is slidable (e.g., translatable,reciprocable) along or parallel to a first axis 1100 (e.g., that isparallel to the y-axis or front/back dimension) relative to the basemember 300′″ in a first direction generally towards the power switch 140(e.g., generally towards an interior of the storage rack 100) and in anopposite second direction generally away from the power switch (e.g.,towards an exterior of the storage rack 100). A longitudinal axis of thefirst arm 1012 may be collinear with or generally parallel to the firstaxis 1100. For instance, the first arm 1016 may be in the form anelongated member (e.g., band, rod, bracket, etc.) having across-sectional shape and size that allows it slide or translate alongthe first axis 1100 but that inhibits rotation of the first arm aboutthe first axis 1100 and/or its longitudinal axis. In one arrangement,the first arm 1016 may be of a length substantially equal to or greaterthan a distance between the rear opening 124 and the vertical slot 156(e.g., or other location where the switch 140 is located).

The body 1012 of the first tool 1004 may also include a second arm 1020that is rigidly attached to or at least non-movable relative to thefirst arm 1016 such that movement of the first arm 1016 along the firstaxis 1100 in a first direction along the y-dimension inducescorresponding movement of the second arm 1020 in the first directionalong the y-dimension. In one arrangement, the second arm 1020 may berigidly attached to a second of first and second ends 1017, 1018 of thefirst arm 1016 and non-movably attached thereto at a non-parallel (e.g.perpendicular, 45°, etc.) angle so that the second arm 1020 “reachesinto” the vertical slot 156 at a position in front of the switch 140(e.g., in front of the first/on portion 174 of the switch 140). In onearrangement, the body 1012 may be a single piece of material (e.g., barstock, rod, etc.) that is appropriately bent to form at least the firstand second arms 1016, 1020. In other arrangements, the first and secondarms 1016, 1020 may be separate pieces that are appropriately rigidlyattached together. In further arrangements, one or more additional armsmay rigidly and non-movably interconnect the first arm 1016 to thesecond arm 1020.

The second tool 1008 may be in the form of a bracket that is slidablyattached to the body 304′″ of the base member 300′″ for movement towardsand away from the second portion 176 (the “off” portion) of the powerswitch 140 to allow an operator to manipulate power switch 140 into anoff position. For instance, the second tool 1008 may include a body 1024including at least a first arm 1028 that is slidable (e.g.,translatable, reciprocable) along or parallel to a second axis 1200(e.g., that is parallel to the y-axis or front/back dimension) relativeto the base member 300′″ in a first direction generally towards thepower switch 140 (e.g., generally towards an interior of the storagerack 100) and in an opposite second direction generally away from thepower switch (e.g., towards an exterior of the storage rack 100). Alongitudinal axis of the first arm 1024 may be collinear with orgenerally parallel to the first axis 1200. The first and second axes1100, 1200 may be parallel.

The second tool 1008 may also include a second arm 1032 that is rigidlyattached to or at least non-movable relative to the first arm 1028 suchthat movement of the first arm 1028 along the first axis 1200 in a firstdirection along the y-dimension induces corresponding movement of thesecond arm 1032 in the first direction along the y-dimension. Forinstance, the second arm 1032 may be rigidly attached to a second offirst and second ends 1029, 1030 of the first arm 1028 and non-movablyattached thereto at a non-parallel (e.g. perpendicular, 45°, etc.) angleso that the second arm 1032 “reaches into” the vertical slot 156 at aposition in front of the switch 140 (e.g., in front of the second/offportion 176 of the switch 140). Like the first tool 1004, the secondtool 1008 may be constructed in any appropriate manner and of anyappropriate materials to allow the second tool 1008 to slidably travelin the single degree motion.

In one arrangement, the bodies 1012, 1024 of the first and second tools1004, 1008 be identical for facilitating assembly of the manipulationapparatus 200′″ (e.g., such as when the first and second portions 174,176 of the power switch 140 are in a common plane in which the x and zdimensions both reside). However, it is to be understood that thedimensions and/or geometries of the first and second tools 1004, 1008(e.g., lengths of first arms 1016, 1028, shape of bends of second arms1020, 1032, etc.) may be adjusted as appropriate to allow the first andsecond tools 1004, 1008 to manipulate power switches 140 of differentgeometries, positions, etc.

The base member 300′″ may include first and second guide channels 320₁′″, 320 ₂′″ for respectively receiving the first arms 1016, 1028 of thefirst and second tools 1004, 1008 and confining movement of the firstarms 1016, 1028 to sliding movement along the respective first andsecond axes 1100, 1200 in the first and second opposite directions(e.g., by way of limiting or preventing movement of the first and secondtools 1004, 1008 in the z or up/down dimension). For instance, the firstand second guide channels 320 ₁′″, 320 ₂′″ may each be defined by upperand lower guide members 3289′″, 332′″ that are configured respectivelycontact or nearly contact upper and lower edges (not labeled) of therespective first arms 1016, 1028. In one arrangement, the upper andlower guide members 328′″, 332′″ may extend away from the first leg308′″ of the base member 300′″, such as at a perpendicular or nearlyperpendicular angle relative to the first leg 308″. As just one example,each of the guide members 328′″, 332′″ may be a portion of the first leg308′″ that is appropriately bent or manipulated away from a main body ofthe first leg 308′″ to form the first and second guide channels 320 ₁′″,320 ₂′.

The first tool 1004 may be biased along the first axis 1100 in the firstdirection (generally towards the power switch 140) by a first biasingforce that is enough to press the first tool 1004 (e.g., the second arm1020) against or at least towards the first portion 174 of the powerswitch 140 but short of enough to manipulate (e.g., press) the firstportion 174 of the power switch 140 into an on position of the powerswitch 140. A user may press the first end 1017 of the first arm 1016 ofthe first tool 1004 in the first direction to overcome the resistance ofthe first portion 174 of the power switch 140 to manipulate the sameinto the on position. The first biasing force then maintains the secondarm 1020 of the first tool 1004 against the first portion 174 of thepower switch 140 in the on position until the first biasing force isovercome by the first portion 174 of the switch 140 pressing backagainst the second arm 1020 to move the first tool 1004 in the oppositesecond direction upon the power switch 140 tripping or a user pressingthe second tool 1008 in the first direction to manipulate the second(e.g., off) portion 176 of the power switch 140 (discussed in moredetail below).

The first biasing force may be provided by a first biasing member 1036(e.g., spring) that is connected or positioned between a firstconnection surface (e.g., projection, protrusion, recess, etc.) 366′″ ofthe base member 300′″ that may generally extend in the first directiontowards the power switch 140 (where the first connection surface 366′″is non-movable relative to the first leg 308′″ and the base member 300′″as a whole), and a connection surface (e.g., projection, etc.) 1040 ofthe first tool 1004 that generally extends in the second direction awayfrom the power switch 140. In one arrangement, the first connectionsurface 366′″ of the base member 300′″ may extend from a portion of theupper guide member 328′″ of the first guide channel 320 ₁′″. In anycase, a first end of the first biasing member 1036 is generally fixedagainst the first connection surface 366′″ of the base member 300′″ andis thus non-moveable relative to the base member 300′″, while anopposite second end of the first biasing member 1036 is fixed againstthe connection surface 1040 of the first tool 1004 but movable relativeto the base member 300′″ to urge the first tool 1004 in the firstdirection. That is, the first biasing member 1036 may push off of thefirst connection surface 366′ of the base member 300′″ to bias the firsttool 1004 in the first direction.

In one arrangement, the first biasing member 1036 may be in the form ofa compression spring that urges the second arm 1020 of the first tool1004 against the first portion 174 of the power switch 140 (but not, asdiscussed above, enough to actually manipulate the first portion 174free of a user pressing on the first tool 1004. After the user haspressed the first tool 1004 to manipulate the first portion 174 into theon position, the compression spring may maintain the second arm 1020 ofthe first tool against the first portion 174 (e.g., by a force that maybe overcome by the force generated by the first portion 174 against thesecond arm 1020 upon tripping of the first portion 174. In anotherarrangement, the first biasing member 1036 may be in the form of anextension spring that is configured pull or retract the first tool 1004slightly away from the first portion 174 of the power switch 140 after auser has pressed the first tool 1004 to manipulate the first portion174. In the first position of the first tool 1004 in FIG. 32a , forinstance, where the first portion 174 is in the off position, the firstportion 174 may be pressing against the second arm 1020 of the firsttool 1004 to position the extension spring into an at least slightlycompressed position from its normal resting or non-biased position.

When a user subsequently depresses the first tool 1004 to turn on thepower switch 140, the built up potential energy in the spring urges thefirst tool 1004 in the first direction along the axis 1100 towards theswitch 140 until the spring reaches its resting or non-biased position(which corresponds to a third position of the first tool 1004, discussedbelow) which occurs before the first portion 174 has been manipulatedinto its on position. In this regard, the continued movement of thefirst tool 1004 into a second position needed to manipulate the firstportion into its on position (e.g., as in FIG. 32b ) serves to stretchthe spring and build up potential energy in the spring. Upon release ofthe first tool 1004 by the user after the first portion 174 has beenmanipulated into the on position, the built-up potential energyautomatically retracts the first tool 1004 away from the first portion174 into a third position of the first tool 1004 between the first andsecond positions to leave a gap between the second arm 1020 of the firsttool 1004 and the first portion 174 of the power switch 140 (gap notshown in Figures). In one arrangement, the gap may be of a size largeenough to allow the first portion 174 to “pop out” a distance necessaryto at least stop the flow of electricity through the circuit withinwhich the power switch 140 is connected upon tripping of the powerswitch 140 in a substantially unimpeded manner (i.e., unimpeded by thefirst tool 1004). After the circuit has been cut, the continued poppingout of the first portion 174 serves to compress the spring to againstore potential energy in the same.

The second tool 1008 may rest in a non-biased position in contact withor slightly spaced away from the second portion 176 of the power switch140. Upon a user depressing the second tool 1008 to depress/manipulatethe second portion 176 to turn off the power switch 140 and thenreleasing the second tool 1008, a second biasing force may bias thesecond tool 1008 back along the second axis 1200 in the seconddirection. For instance, the second biasing force may be provided by asecond biasing member 1044 (e.g., spring) that is connected orpositioned between a second connection surface (e.g., projection,protrusion, recess, depression, etc.) 370′″ of the base member 300′″that may generally extend in the second direction away from the powerswitch 140 (where the second connection surface 370′″ is non-movablerelative to the first leg 308′″ and the base member 300′″ as a whole),and a connection surface (e.g., projection) 1048 of the second tool 1008that generally extends in the first direction towards the power switch140. In one arrangement, the second connection surface 370′″ of the basemember 300′″ may extend from a portion of the lower guide member 332′″of the second guide channel 320 ₂′″. In any case, a first end of thesecond biasing member 1044 is generally fixed against the secondconnection surface 370′″ of the base member 300′″ and is thusnon-moveable relative to the base member 300′″, while an opposite secondend of the second biasing member 1044 is fixed against the connectionsurface 1048 of the second tool 1008 but movable relative to the basemember 300′″ to urge the second tool 1008 in the second direction. Thesecond biasing member 1044 may be in the form of a compression orextension spring for instance.

In one arrangement, each of the first and second tools 1004, 1008 mayinclude both of the protrusions 1040, 1048 (where the protrusions 1040,1048 extend or point in opposite directions) as shown in the figures,even though, in one embodiment only the protrusion 1040 may be utilizedfor the first tool 1004 and only the protrusion 1048 may be utilized forthe second tool 1008. This arrangement advantageously allows thedirections of the biasing forces of the first and second tools 1004,1008 to be reversed if needed to account for changes in the relativelocations of the first and second portions 174, 176 of the switch 140.In this case, additional corresponding protrusions could be added to thebase member 300′″.

In any case, a cover member 1300 may be appropriately secured over thefirst leg 308′″ of the base member 300′″ to contain or protect the firstlegs 1016, 1028 of the first and second tools 1004, 1004 and the firstand second biasing members 1036, 1044 between the cover member 1300 andthe first leg 308′″ and limit or prevent movement of the first andsecond legs in the x or side to side dimension. As just one example, thecover member 1300 may be in the form of a bracket, plate, and/or thelike having the same or similar y and z dimensions to those of the firstleg 308′″ of the base member 300′″ and that may be fixedly securedthereto in any appropriate manner (e.g., such as via extending rivets orthe like through aligned apertures in the first leg 308′″ and the covermember 1300). In one arrangement, the cover member 1300 may includefirst and second extensions (e.g., protrusions, ribs, etc.) 1304, 1308extending from an inside surface thereof respectively towards the firstarms 1016, 1028 of the first and second tools 1004, 1008 that areconfigured to contact (e.g., press against) or nearly contact the firstarms 1016, 1028 when the cover member 1300 is secured to the base member300′″ to limit or prevent x or side to side movement of the first andsecond tools 1004, 1008 (but to still allow for y or front/back movementof the first and second tools 1004, 1008 along or parallel to the firstand second axes 1100, 1200).

Additionally or alternatively, the cover member 1300 may include pairsof front and rear slots 1312, 1316 through which the first arms 1016,1028 of the first and second tools 1004, 1008 are configured to slide inthe y or front to back dimension. In addition to constraining motion ofthe first and second tools 1004, 1008 to sliding motion in the ydimension, the slots (e.g., the rear slots 1316) also advantageouslyprevent or limit over-travel (or otherwise set a maximum limit on travelin the first direction towards the power switch 140) of the first andsecond tools 1004, 1008 in the first direction towards the power switch140 (e.g., via engagement between edges of the slots and correspondingstructures on the first and second tools 1004, 1008 (e.g., such assteps, ridges or protrusions on the first arms 1020, 1028 of the firstand second tools 1004, 1008, not labeled).

To facilitate the reader's understanding of the various functionalitiesof the power switch manipulation apparatus 200′″, one method ofinstallation and use of the apparatus 200′″ will now be discussedalthough it is to be understood that other methods (including more,fewer, or different steps than those specifically discussed) consistentwith the teachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassedin the present disclosure. Initially, the first and second biasingmembers 1036, 1044 may be appropriately attached to the base member300′″ such as by fitting a first end of the first biasing member 1036over the protrusion 1040 of the first tool 1004 and a first end of thesecond biasing member 1044 over the protrusion 1048 of the second tool1008. The first and second tools 1004, 1008 may then be respectivelyinserted into the first and second guide channels 320 ₁′″, 320 ₂′″ ofthe base member 300′″ and the second ends of the first and secondbiasing members 1036, 1044 may be respectively fitted over the first andsecond protrusions 366′″, 370′″ of the base member 300′″. Of course, thefirst and second biasing members 1036, 1044 may be first fitted over thefirst and second protrusions 366′″, 370′″ of the base member 300′″, andthen the first and second tools 1004, 1008 may be inserted into thefirst and second guide channels 320 ₁′″, 320 ₂′″ and the first andsecond biasing members 1036, 1044 fitted over the protrusions 1040, 1048of the first and second tools 1004, 1008.

In any event, the cover member 1300 may then be positioned over thefirst and second tools 1004, 1008 and first and second biasing members1036, 1044 and secured to the first leg 308′″ of the base member 300′″.As just one example, apertures 1320 through the cover member 1300 may bealigned with corresponding apertures 313′″ through the first leg 308′″of the base member 300′″ and fasteners (e.g., rivets, etc.) may bepassed through the aligned sets of apertures to secure the cover member1300 to the base member 300′″. As discussed previously, the cover member1300 serves to protect and contact the first and second tools 1004, 1008and first and second biasing members 1036, 1044 as well as constrainmotion of the first and second tools 1004, 1008 along or parallel to thefirst and second axes 1100, 1200 (e.g., to a single degree of motion,such as sliding motion in first and second opposite directions in they-dimension).

A user may then insert the second leg 344′″ of the base member 300′″into the storage rack 100, guide it into the vertical slot 156 betweenadjacent power switches 140, and press the first leg 308′″ substantiallyflush against the front surface 168 of the vertical member 152. The usermay then slide the base member 300′″ upwards until the alignment tab352′″ catches on a power switch 140 (e.g., a bottom edge of the powerswitch 140) at which point the user may rigidly secure the base member300′″ to the vertical member 152 (e.g., such as by inserting fastenersthrough apertures 1324 in the cover member 1300 and through apertures312′″ in the first leg 308 and into the vertical member 152, and/or inother manners). In one arrangement, the alignment tab 352′″ may bepositioned on the second leg 344′″ in a manner that allows a user toslide the base member 300′″ downwardly until the alignment tab 352′″catches on a top portion of a power switch 140 instead of the bottomportion (e.g., when the alignment tab 352′″ extends from a top portionof the second leg 344′″ instead of a bottom portion as shown in thefigures). In any case, the user may repeat the above process withadditional base members 300′″ for additional power switches 140 in thestorage rack 100. At this point, the first biasing force provided by thefirst biasing member 1036 may automatically urge the first tool 1004(e.g., the second arm 1020 of the first tool) against and into contactwith the first portion 174 of the power switch 140 but free ofmanipulating the first portion 174 into the on position of the powerswitch 140.

FIG. 32a presents a schematic illustration of the power switchmanipulation apparatus 200′″ and the power switch 140 being in an offcondition. Specifically, the first portion 174 of the power switch ispopped out to the off position and the first tool 1004 is in contactwith the first portion 174. Furthermore, the first and second tools1004, 1008 are in a first staggered relationship relative to each otherindicating to a user that the power switch 140 is in the off position.For instance, the first end 1017 of the first arm 1016 of the first tool1004 may be a first distance 1400 from a fixed vertical reference plane1600 on the front of the rack 100 that is perpendicular to the first andsecond axes 1100, 1200 (e.g., where the reference plane 1600 extendswithin the x and z dimensions), and the first end 1029 of the first arm1028 of the second tool 1008 may be a first distance 1500 from thevertical reference plane 1600, where the first distance 1400 is greaterthan the first distance 1500. The first staggered configuration of thefirst and second tools 1004, 1008 provides a visual indication to anoperator that the power switch 140 is off even though the user may notbe able to see the power switch 140 or be able to physically touch thepower switch 140 due to the location of the power switch 140.

To turn the power switch 140 on, the user may then depress or push(e.g., urge) the first tool 1004 (e.g., the first end 1017) in the firstdirection along the first axis 1100 towards the power switch 140 toovercome the resistance being provided by the first portion 174 anddepress the first portion 174 into the on position. With reference toFIGS. 32a-32b , the first tool 1004 moves from a first position to asecond position. At this point, the first and second tools 1004, 1008may be in a generally aligned relationship, where the first end 1017 ofthe first arm 1016 of the first tool 1004 may be a second distance 1404from a fixed vertical reference plane 1600 which is substantially equalto the first distance 1500 of the first end 1029 of the second tool 1008to provide a visual indication to the user and/or operators that thepower switch 140 is in an on position.

To turn the power switch 140 off, the user may depress or push (e.g.,urge) the second tool 1008 (e.g., the first end 1029) in the firstdirection along the second axis 1200 towards the power switch 140 todepress the second portion 176 of the power switch 140 and position thepower switch into an off position. For instance, the second arm 1032 ofthe second tool 1008 may overcome any resistance being provided by thesecond portion 176 and depress the second portion 176 whichcorrespondingly causes or induces the first portion 174 of the powerswitch 140 to pop out in the second direction parallel to the first axis1100, thus applying a force to the first tool 1004 that moves the firsttool in the second direction along or parallel to the first axis 1100back into the position illustrated in FIG. 32a (where the firststaggered relationship of FIG. 32a provides the visual indication to theuser of the off position of the power switch 140). After depressing thesecond tool 1008 in the first direction to power off the power switch140, the second biasing force provided by the second biasing member 1044may apply a force against the second tool 1008 (e.g., against the secondarm 1032) that urges the second tool 1008 back along or parallel to thesecond axis 1200 in the second direction into or near the position shownin FIGS. 32a -32 b.

With reference again to FIG. 32b , and in the event that the powerswitch 140 trips, the first portion 174 of the power switch 140 mayautomatically pop out in the second direction back into the positionshown in FIG. 32a . In this case, popping out of the first portion 174generates a force that urges the first tool 1008 in the second directionalong or parallel to the first axis against the first biasing force intothe position shown in FIG. 32a . As can be seen, the first and secondtools 1004, 1008 may now again assume a first staggered configurationwhich provides a visual indication to a user that the power switch 140has tripped. To reset the power switch 140 and turn it back on, the usermay again depress the first tool 1004 to depress (e.g., engage,manipulate) the first portion 174.

While a particular staggered configuration of the first and second tools1004, 1008 has been shown and described for visually indicating to auser a state (e.g., off, on, tripped) of the power switch 140, it is tobe understood that the dimensions, geometries, etc. of the first andsecond tools 1004, 1008, of the base member 300′″, etc. may beappropriately altered so that different configurations of the first andsecond tools 1004, 1008 (staggered, non-staggered) visually indicatedifferent states of the power switch 140. For instance, the apparatus200′″ may be configured so that an aligned configuration of the firstand second tools (e.g., where the first ends 1017, 1029 are the samedistance from the vertical reference plane 1600) indicates an offposition of the power switch 140 (e.g., when the first arm 1016 of thefirst tool 1004 is shorter than the first arm 1028 of the second tool1008) and a first staggered configuration where the distance between thefirst arm 1016 of the first tool 1004 and the vertical reference plane1600 is less than that between the first arm 1028 of the second tool1008 and the vertical reference plane 1600 indicates an on or trippedposition of the power switch 140.

Other arrangements for limiting movement of the first and second tools1004, 1008 to a single degree of motion (e.g., sliding motion) are alsoenvisioned. For instance, each of the first and second tools 1004, 1008may have a non-circular cross section that slides through acorrespondingly shaped aperture of the base member 300′″. Also, whilethe single degree of motion (sliding motion) of the first and secondtools 1004, 1008 has been discussed as being within the y-dimension, itis also envisioned that the single degree of motion could be in otherdimensions (e.g., x, z) depending upon the particular position andorientation of the power switch 140.

The various manipulation apparatuses (e.g., 200, 200′, 200″, 200′″)disclosed herein may have reduced form factors in one or both of thex-dimension (e.g., horizontal direction along rear opening 124 of rack100) and the z-dimension (e.g., vertical dimension) to allow theapparatuses to be used in storage racks having limited openings orpassageways for users to physically reach into the racks to manipulatepower switches or circuit breakers. For instance, the base members maybe in the form of sheet members (e.g., sheet metal) having reducedthicknesses so as to protrude limited or reduced amounts into theinterior space of the storage racks. Furthermore, the tools disclosedherein may also be in the form of sheet members, thin brackets or rods,or the like having reduced thicknesses so as to protrude limited orreduced amounts into the interior space of the storage racks.

Still further, the base members may include one or more features thatare specifically configured to guide the tools to be directly in frontof a power switch so that the user can use a handle or other portion ofthe tool to manipulate the power switch (e.g., into an on or offposition) free of the user having to physically reach into the rack tomanipulate the power switch. While the manipulation apparatusesdisclosed herein have been discussed as being mounted adjacent the rearopening 124 of the rack 100 for manipulating power switches near therear of the rack, it is to be understood that the various manipulationapparatuses may be appropriately located in other portions of the rackwhere access to power switches with limited physical access openings orpassageways is needed (e.g., front or side portions of the rack 100).

It will be readily appreciated that many additions and/or deviations maybe made from the specific embodiments disclosed in the specificationwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Theillustrations and discussion herein has only been provided to assist thereader in understanding the various aspects of the present disclosure.Furthermore, one or more various combinations of the above discussedarrangements and embodiments are also envisioned.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiments of the disclosure. Furthermore, certain featuresthat are described in this specification in the context of separateembodiments can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and/or parallelprocessing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of varioussystem components in the embodiments described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single software and/orhardware product or packaged into multiple software and/or hardwareproducts.

The above described embodiments including the preferred embodiment andthe best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time offiling are given by illustrative examples only.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for manipulating a power switch of anelectronic device, comprising: a base member that is non-movablyattachable relative to a power switch of an electronic device; and amanipulation assembly movably mountable to the base member formanipulating the power switch of the electronic device, wherein themanipulation assembly includes: a first tool slidably attached to thebase member for movement relative to the base member along a first axisin a first direction towards the power switch to manipulate the powerswitch into an on position and along the first axis in an oppositesecond direction away from the power switch when manipulated by thepower switch; and a second tool slidably attached to the base member formovement relative to the base member along a second axis to manipulatethe power switch into an off position.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe first tool is biased with a first biasing force in along the firstaxis in the first direction towards the power switch.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, further including a first biasing member interconnected betweenthe first arm and the base member for providing the first biasing force.4. The system of claim 3, wherein the base member includes a firstconnection surface that extends along the first axis in the firstdirection, wherein the first tool includes a connection surface thatextends along the first axis in the second direction, and wherein thefirst biasing member is connected between the first connection surfaceof the base member and the connection surface of the first tool.
 5. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein the second tool is biased with a secondbiasing force along the second axis in the second direction away fromthe power switch.
 6. The system of claim 5, further including a secondbiasing member interconnected between the second arm and the base memberfor providing the second biasing force.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein the base member includes a second connection surface thatextends along the second axis in the second direction, wherein thesecond tool includes a connection surface that extends along the secondaxis in the first direction, and wherein the second biasing member isconnected between the second connection surface of the base member andthe connection surface of the second tool.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the base member includes a sheet member that extends in a firstplane that is parallel to the first and second axes, wherein each of thefirst and second connection surfaces extends from the sheet member in athird direction.
 9. The system of claim 8, further including a covermember attached to the base member, wherein the first and second armsare secured between the cover member and the base member for respectivemovement along the first and second axes.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the first and second axes are parallel.
 11. The system of claim1, wherein the first and second tools are respectively non-rotatableabout the first and second axes.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein thefirst tool includes a first arm having a longitudinal axis that iscollinear with or parallel to the first axis, wherein the first toolincludes a second arm that is non-movable relative to the first arm andconfigured to contact the power switch.
 13. A method of manipulating apower switch of an electronic device mounted in a storage rack,comprising: urging a first tool along a first axis in a first directionfrom a first position of the first tool into a second position of thefirst tool to manipulate a first portion of the power switch into an onposition of the power switch, wherein a first end of the first tool is afirst distance from a vertical reference plane that is perpendicular tothe first axis in the first position, wherein the first end of the firsttool is a second distance from the vertical reference plane in thesecond position that is less than the first distance, wherein a firstend of a second tool that is slidable along a second axis that isparallel to the first axis is a first distance from the verticalreference plane when the first tool is in the second position, andwherein the first distance of the first end of the second tool is equalto the second distance of the first end of the first tool.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, further including: receiving, on the first tool, aforce from the first portion of the power switch that urges the firsttool along the first axis in a second direction that is opposite to thefirst direction.
 15. The method of claim 13, further including:generating the force upon tripping of the power switch.
 16. The methodof claim 13, further including: urging the second tool along the secondaxis in the first direction from a first position of the second toolinto a second position of the second tool to manipulate a second portionof the power switch into an off position of the power switch, whereinthe force is generated during the urging of the second tool into thesecond position of the second tool.
 17. The method of claim 16, whereinthe receiving includes receiving, on the first tool, a force from thefirst portion of the power switch that urges the first tool along thefirst axis in a second direction that is opposite to the first directioninto the first position of the first tool.
 18. The method of claim 16,further including: releasing the second tool; and allowing a biasingmember to urge the second tool along the second axis in the seconddirection from the second position of the second tool into the firstposition of the second tool.
 19. The method of claim 13, furtherincluding: releasing the first tool after urging the first tool into thesecond position; and allowing a biasing member to urge the first toolalong the first axis in the second direction from the second position ofthe first tool into a third position of the first tool between the firstand second positions of the first tool.
 20. A storage rack, including: aframe defining an interior space for receiving a plurality of computingdevices; and a system secured to the frame for manipulating a powerswitch of an electronic device of the storage rack, comprising: a basemember rigidly attached to the frame and being non-movable relative to apower switch of an electronic device; a first tool slidably attached tothe base member for movement relative to the base member along a firstaxis in a first direction towards the power switch to manipulate thepower switch into an on position and along the first axis in an oppositesecond direction away from the power switch when manipulated by thepower switch; and a second tool slidably attached to the base member formovement relative to the base member along a second axis to manipulatethe power switch into an off position.